Verbena plant named ‘Sunmaricos’

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a new and distinct variety of Verbena plant having a spreading growth habit and long stems. The plant forms flowers in clusters with a great profusion of blooms. The blooming period commonly is from late April to November and the flowering duration is long. Accordingly, the entire plant remains in bloom for an extended period of time. The flower size is large and the petal color of the flowers is deep purplish pink. The plant is highly tolerant to heat, and exhibits a high resistance to pests and diseases, particularly powdery mildew, and has a high resistance to rain.

Botanical/commercial classification: Verbena hybrida/Verbena Plant.

Varietal denomination: cv. ‘Sunmaricos’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention provides a new and distinct variety ofVerbena×hybrida plant obtained from the open-pollination of the ‘114-7’variety (non-patented in the United States). The identity of the maleparent is unknown. The ‘114-7’ variety was developed from crossing aVerbena hybrida plant named ‘Amethyst’ (non-patented in the UnitedStates) as female and an unnamed and non-patented wild type of Verbenaperuviana plant native to Brazil as male.

The Verbena is a very popular plant and is used for flower bedding andpotting in the summer season. There are only a few varieties of Verbenaplants which have a spreading growth habit, abundant branching, manyflowers in a cluster, and a high resistance to rain, heat, cold anddiseases. Accordingly, this invention is aimed at obtaining a newvariety having a spreading growth habit, abundant branching, a largenumber of deep purplish pink flowers in a cluster having a largediameter, and a high tolerance to heat and cold, and resistance todiseases and pests.

In August 1997, seedlings resulting from open-pollination of the ‘114-7’variety were obtained at Torihara, Hakushu-cho, Kitakoma-gun,Yamanashi-ken, Japan. In January 1998, a seedling was selected in viewof its spreading growth habit, less bluish and more reddish pigment inthe flower than its parent and deep purplish pink petals. Such selectionwas propagated by the use of cuttings, and was evaluated in flowerbedsand planters beginning in April 1998 at Torihara, Hakushu-cho,Kitakoma-gun, Yamanashi-ken, Japan, and at Aza-Iketani, Omori-cho,Yokaichi-shi, Shiga-ken, Japan. The botanical characteristics of theplant were examined using the similar varieties ‘SUNVP-PI’ (U.S. PlantPat. No. 10,705) and ‘Surimarisa’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,130) forcomparison. As a result, it was concluded that the subject Verbena plantis distinguishable from other varieties whose existence is known to meand is uniform and stable in its characteristics. This new variety wasnamed ‘Sunmaricos’.

In the following description, the color-coding is in accordance with TheR.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England.A color chart based on The Japan Color Standard for Horticultural Plant(J.H.S. Color Chart) is also added for reference.

The main botanical characteristics of the parent ‘114-7’ variety are asfollows:

Plant:

Growth habit.—Spreading.

Plant height.—Approximately 15-20 cm.

Plant extension.—Approximately 60-100 cm.

Stem:

Diameter.—Approximately 1.5-2.5 mm.

Anthocyanin pigmentation.—Present.

Branching.—Abundant.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Length of internodes.—Approximately 2.5-4.5 cm.

Leaf:

Phyllotaxis.—Opposite.

Shape of blade.—Hastate.

Length.—Approximately 3.0-4.5 cm.

Width.—Approximately 2.0-2.5 cm.

Depth of incision.—Shallow.

Color.—Dark olive green (R.H.S. 137B, J.H.S. 3707).

Pubescence.—Sparse.

Flower:

Facing direction.—Upward.

Outward curvature of petal.—Flat.

Diameter.—Approximately 1.5-2.0 cm.

Height.—Approximately 2.0-2.5 cm.

Color.—Vivid purple (R.H.S. 88A, J.H.S. 8606).

Color presentation.—Uneven.

Overlapping of petals.—Separated petals.

Shape of cluster.—Obconical.

Length of cluster.—Approximately 3.0-5.0 cm.

Diameter of cluster.—Approximately 4.0-5.5 cm.

Calyx.—Approximately 1.2-1.4 cm in length.

Anthocyanin pigmentation of calyx limb.—Present.

Peduncle.—Approximately 1.0-2.0 mm in thickness, and approximately2.0-4.5 cm in length.

Number of flowers.—Many (approximately 11-14).

Reproductive organs.—1 pistil and 4 stamens.

Flower fragrance.—Absent.

Flowering duration.—Long.

Physiological and ecological characteristics: High resistance todiseases and pests and high tolerance to heat and cold.

The main botanical characteristics of the ‘SUNVP-PI’ variety are asfollows:

Plant:

Growth habit.—Spreading.

Plant height.—Approximately 15-25 cm.

Plant width.—Approximately 50-70 cm.

Growth.—Very vigorous with abundant branching and a great profusion ofblooms with the entire plant remaining in bloom for a considerableperiod of time.

Stem:

Diameter.—Approximately 2.0-3.0 mm.

Anthocyanin pigmentation.—Present.

Branching.—Abundant.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Length of internode.—Approximately 4.0-5.0 cm.

Leaf:

Phyllotaxis.—Opposite.

Shape of blade.—Hastate.

Length.—Approximately 4.0-5.0 cm.

Width.—Approximately 2.0-2.5 cm.

Depth of incision.—Shallow.

Color.—Grayish olive green (R.H.S. 137A-137B, J.H.S. 3716).

Pubescence.—Sparse.

Flower:

Facing direction.—Upward.

Outward curvature of petal.—Curved.

Diameter.—Approximately 1.5-2.0 cm.

Height.—Approximately 20 mm.

Color.—Deep purplish pink (R.H.S. 70C, J.H.S. 9213).

Overlapping of petals.—Separate petals.

Spike.—Aproximately 30-35 mm in length, and approximately 50-55 mm indiameter.

Calyx.—Approximately 1.0 cm in length.

Anthocyanin pigmentation of calyx limb.—Present.

Peduncle.—Approximately 2-3 mm in thickness, and approximately 5.0-6.0cm in length.

Number of flowers.—Plentiful (approximately 13-15).

Reproductive organs.—1 pistil and 5 stamens.

Flower fragrance.—Absent.

Flowering duration.—Long.

Physiological and ecological characteristics: High resistance todiseases and pests, particularly powdery mildew. High tolerance to heatand moderate tolerance to cold.

The main botanical characteristics of ‘Sunmarisa’ variety are asfollows:

Growth habit.—Spreading.

Plant width.—Approximately 65-71 cm.

Plant height.—Approximately 8-9 cm.

Stem:

Diameter.—Approximately 1.7-2.2 mm.

Anthocyanin pigmentation.—Absent.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Branching.—Medium.

Length of internode.—Medium, approximately 1.7-2.7 cm.

Leaf:

Phyllotaxis.—Opposite.

Shape of blade.—Oblong-lanceolate.

Depth of blade incision.—Shallow.

Length.—Medium, approximately 2.9-3.6 cm.

Width.—Medium, approximately 1.6-2.4 cm.

Color.—Dark olive green (R.H.S. 146A, J.H.S. 3707).

Pubescence.—Slight.

Petiole.—Present.

Diameter of petiole.—Approximately 1.0-1.2 mm.

Length of petiole.—Approximately 1.2-2.5 mm.

Flower:

Shape of cluster.—Obovate.

Length of cluster.—Approximately 23-44 mm.

Diameter of cluster.—Approximately 40-58 mm.

Facing direction.—Upward.

Outward curvature of petal.—Slightly curved.

Diameter.—Approximately 1.8-1.9 cm.

Height.—Approximately 2.1-2.2 cm.

Color.—Light purplish pink (R.H.S. 62C, J.H.S. 9503).

Eye color.—Pale yellow (R.H.S. 11D, J.H.S. 2503).

Eye size.—Small.

Color presentation.—Substantially even.

Overlapping of petals.—Separate petals.

Incision of petal.—Present.

Number of petals.—5.

Sepals.—Tubular in configuration.

Length of calyx.—Approximately 1.2-1.4 cm.

Anthocyanin pimentation of calyx limb.—Absent.

Color of anther.—Yellow green.

Diameter of peduncle.—Approximately 0.9-1.4 mm.

Length of peduncle.—Approximately 19-45 mm.

Color of peduncle.—Strong yellow green (R.H.S. 144A, J.H.S. 3507).

Number of flowers.—Commonly approximately 13±2.

Flower bearing.—In a cluster.

Reproductive organs.—1 pistil and 4 stamens.

Flower fragrance.—Absent.

Flowering time.—Early.

Flowering duration.—Long.

Pollen.—Brilliant greenish-yellow (R.H.S. 6C, J.H.S. 2704) incoloration.

Physiological and ecological characteristics: High resistance todiseases and pests, particularly powdery mildew. High tolerance to heatand drought, high tolerance to rain, and medium tolerance to cold.

This new ‘Sunmaricos’ variety was asexually reproduced by the use ofcuttings at Youkaichi-shi, Shiga-ken, Japan and the homogeneity andstability thereof were confirmed. The new variety has been found toreproduce true to type in subsequent generations when asexuallyreproduced.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

This new variety of Verbena plant has a broad spreading growth habit andlong stems. The plant is well branched and forms abundant flowers in acluster. The blooms are present in profusion. The flowering time isearly and blooming period is from early April to November and theflowering duration is long. The entire plant remains in bloom for anextended period of time. The flower size is large and the petalcoloration of the flowers is deep purplish pink. The plant is highlytolerant to heat, exhibits a high resistance to pests and diseases,particularly powdery mildew, and has a high resistance to rain.

It commonly takes approximately 12 weeks to produce a finished plant ofthe new variety following the rooting of a cutting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

FIG. 1 is a photograph of flowers of the new variety of Verbena plantwhile growing in the ground. Such plant as well as the other plantsdescribed herein was approximately six months of age.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of flowers of the new variety of Verbena plant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The botanical characteristics of the new and distinct variety of Verbenaplant ‘Sunmaricos’ are presented hereafter. Such plants were being grownin 30 cm pots at Youkaichi-shi, Shiga-ken, Japan.

Plant:

Growth habit.—Spreading.

Plant height.—Approximately 12-15 cm.

Plant width.—Approximately 100-120 cm.

Stem:

Diameter.—Approximately 2.0-2.5 mm.

Length.—Commonly approximately 2.5 to 4.5 cm.

Anthocyanin pigmentation.—Present.

Branching.—Abundant. Each single branch commonly produces two additionalbranches. More specifically, a single branch commonly becomes threebranches and those three branches commonly produce nine branches, etc.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Subterranean stem.—Absent. However, when the stems contact the surfaceof the soil, the nodes take root in the ground and the plant growththereby spreads.

Length of internodes.—Approximately 2.5-4.5 cm.

Leaf:

Phyllotaxis.—Opposite.

Shape of blade.—Hastate.

Blade margin.—Serrate.

Length.—Approximately 2.9-3.5 cm.

Width.—Approximately 1.6-2.2 cm.

Depth of incision.—Absent.

Leaf apex.—Acute.

Leaf base.—Rounded.

Color.—Dark olive green (R.H.S. 137B, J.H.S. 3707) on the upper surface,and moderate olive green (R.H.S. 146A and J.H.S. 3508) on the undersurface.

Venation pattern.—Dichotomous.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Petioie.—Present.

Petiole color.—Moderate olive green (R.H.S. 137A and J.H.S. 3508).

Diameter of petiole.—Approximately 1.0-1.2 mm.

Length of petiole.—Approximately 1.5-2.0 mm.

Flower:

Bud length.—Approximately 1 to 1.2 cm.

Bud diameter.—Approximately 1.5 to 2 mm.

Bud shape.—Generally tubular.

Bud color.—R.H.S. 141C.

Shape of cluster.—Obconical.

Length of cluster.—Approximately 25-35 mm.

Diameter of cluster.—Approximately 50-60 mm.

Facing direction.—Upward.

Outward curvature of petal.—Flat.

Diameter.—Approximately 1.8-2.2 cm.

Length.—Approximately 1.9-2.1 cm.

Color.—Deep purplish pink (R.H.S. 73A, J.H.S. 9205) on the uppersurface, and strong purple (R.H.S. 86B, J.H.S. 8310) on the undersurface.

Color presentation.—Some variegation commonly is present at the margin.Such variegation commonly is R.H.S. 73C in coloration.

Petal apex.—Rounded.

Petal base.—Tubular.

Petal margin.—Generally flat and uncurled.

Petal texture.—Generally smooth.

Length of calyx.—Approximately 1.1-1.2 cm.

Shape of calyx.—Possesses one tubular sepal having an acute apex and arounded base.

Color of calyx.—R.H.S. 138A on the upper surface, and R.H.S. 138B on theunder surface.

Incision of petal.—Present in the apex of each petal.

Number of petals.—5.

Sepals.—Tubular in configuration.

Anthocyanin pigmentation of calyx limb.—R.H.S. 60B.

Color of anther.—Pale yellow green. (R.H.S. 1B, J.H.S. 3102).

Color of the filament.—R.H.S. lB.

Pollen color.—Present in a moderate quantity and R.H.S. 1B incoloration.

Stigma color.—R.H.S. 4D.

Style color.—R.H.S. 144B.

Ovaries.—Commonly four in number.

Diameter of peduncle.—Approximately 1.6-2.0 mm.

Length of peduncle.—Approximately 3.3-4.2 mm.

Color of peduncle.—Moderate olive green (R.H.S. 146A and J.H.S. 3508).

Number of flowers.—Medium (approximately 9-14).

Flower bearing.—In a cluster (as illustrated).

Reproductive organs.—1 pistil and 4 stamens.

Pollen.—Brilliant greenish-yellow (R.H.S. 6C, J.H.S. 2704) incoloration.

Flower fragrance.—Absent.

Flowering time.—Early.

Flowering duration.—Long.

Flower longevity.—When planted during March, the plant commonly blossomsfrom early April to November. A bloom cluster is commonly present forapproximately 2 to 3 weeks, and an individual bloom within the clustercommonly lasts for approximately 7 to 10 days on the plant.

Physiological and ecological characteristics: High resistance todiseases and pests, particularly powdery mildew. High tolerance to heatand drought, high tolerance to rain, and medium tolerance to cold.Plants of the new variety have withstood a temperature of 4° F.

This new variety of Verbena plant is most suitable for flower beddingand potting, particularly in planters. It is further excellent for useas a ground cover.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Verbena plant having the followingcombination of characteristics: (a) exhibits a broad spreading growthhabit with long stems, (b) forms in abundance clusters of attractivedeep purplish pink blossoms that remain on the plant for an extendedperiod of time, and (c) exhibits good tolerance to rain, heat, drought,and diseases; substantially as herein shown and described.